Seattle Tax Day Tea Party

We may have made it over the 1K mark this time. Considering Seattle is the beating heart of liberalism these days, that is phenomenal. The organizers FINALLY got their hands on an adequate PA system, which was a relief. I saw some politicians wandering around with their staff (they had big brass nameplates) but they hadn't taken the stage by the time I left. Maybe they were just working the crowd. KOMO 4 had a satellite truck as well.

The other big difference from the other Tea Party/Porkulous protests -- the police were *everywhere*. Five mounted police (here cheerfully providing a photo op for some cute kids), and scads of cops on bikes and in patrol cars. I also saw a police truck towing a trailer full of crowd barrier. They were prepared for all eventualities--and while alert, were fairly relaxed. I don't think they were worried about the protesters.


The hip-hop nation represents. Just because you have an aversion to belts doesn't mean you like being taxed to death.


I talked to the cops about this little incident, the only confrontation I witnessed. Whether on purpose or accidentally, bike helmet guy was banging into people with his bike. The cops escorted him out of the crowd and asked him to park his bike, then he'd be free to rejoin and hold up his sign (which I never got a look at.) All handled very calmly and professionally.

Open carry is legal in Washington State. I just want to point out that nobody fainted, screamed, or got shot even though a citizen was carrying a weapon in a public place. It can happen, folks!



Nobody wanted to talk to the LaRouche supporters.


This gentleman is doing his damndest to get some money out of Obama, by selling tee-shirts at a quite reasonable price.